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Mary leaned against the drawing room door, her ear pressed to the wood, trying to hear what was being said. But Caroline spoke too quietly.

Mary looked at John. ‘I cannot hear.’

‘You should not be listening.’

‘What if the magistrate does not believe Caroline?’

‘Then he is an idiot. The accusation is obviously not true.’

Mary had been resolute since they fetched Caroline, suppressing her fear for Andrew, facing this with courage, refusing to think they might believe Drew guilty. But… No… She could not consider it.

‘I sent a letter to Mama and asked them to come, Mary. I think you need her here.’

‘Do you think Richard will take me back to London with him, so I can see Andrew?’

John shook his head. ‘No. I doubt, with the amount of pride your husband has, he would thank us for letting you see him in such a situation. Stay here and support Lady Kilbride. That is how you may help. You are the only person she trusts. Let Uncle Richard manage this and speak for Andrew.’

But only the words Caroline spoke on the other side of the door might bring him back.

The door handle turned. Mary stepped back, as Uncle Richard opened the door.

He looked from Mary to John. ‘We have finished, and I believe Lady Kilbride would appreciate your company, Mary. John, may I dine here before I return to town?’

‘Of course,’ John answered.

Leaving John to play the obsequious role to influence the magistrate, Mary hurried to Caroline.

She was shaking terribly.

‘I am sorry you had to endure this.’ Mary slipped off her shawl and wrapped it around Caroline’s shoulders.

‘Better that than for Drew to suffer because of me.’ Her eyes swam with tears.

Mary held her, tears filling her eyes too, and for a short while they clung to each other.

Caroline broke the embrace. ‘I am sorry. I do not normally cry.’

Mary wiped her eyes and smiled. ‘I do, and there is no need to apologise.’

‘This is my fault,’ Caroline said.

‘It is no one’s fault but your husband’s. We must remain confident and trust my Uncle Richard to return Andrew to us.’

‘The magistrate did not trust my word. He is going to speak with one of my lady’s maids and ask her to confirm what I said. The whole thing is mortifying. Embarrassing. Then I think of Drew in a cell, alone. He did nothing to deserve this.’

‘I know. And we must have faith that the truth becomes known.’

‘Thank you for helping us, Mary. Drew needed a woman like you.’

‘And I needed a man like him.’ Mary smiled.

A light knock struck the door, which John had left ajar. ‘Come in!’ Mary called.

‘Sorry to interrupt.’ It was Kate. ‘We are serving dinner. Your uncle is staying with us to dine, Mary, and he sent me to fetch you. Will you dine with us, Lady Kilbride?’

Caroline shook her head. ‘May I eat in my room? I am too tired to converse.’

‘Of course,’ Kate said. ‘I will ask for your meal to be sent up.’

‘I shall be there in a moment,’ Mary said, encouraging Kate to leave them alone again.

‘I am sorry,’ Caroline whispered after Kate left. ‘They must think me rude.’

‘John and Kate will not mind if you keep to your room. You must not feel pressed to be in our company and do as you please. If you need to speak to me, send a servant to find me.’

‘Thank you.’